Penn State football questions: Which Big Ten team will become PSU's primary in-conference rival?

Ever since Penn State entered the Big Ten in 1993, the Lions have
been on the lookout for the one thing they never lacked as an independent: a
true rival. Think back to the storied series between the Lions and Syracuse,
Notre Dame and in state rival Pitt. There are some amazing college football
moments in those games, and inspired derogatory t-shirts and an orange Lion
Shrine.

But, what has conference affiliation given the Lions in this
regard? The ugliest trophy in college football and the most contrived rivalry
in the old Big Ten. Penn State and Michigan State may have seemed the perfect
fit, and even though Sparty broke out this year, PSU owns the series 14-5, and
2010 was the first time MSU won in Happy Valley. Aren't rivalries supposed
include controversy, friendly (or not) banter and memorable finishes? How about
football tradition?

Let's face it, although the Ohio State series is the most
important the Lions share with any team in the conference, we will never be
OSU's rival. No one but Michigan ever will be. Other than that, the ties that
bind a rivalry haven't stuck in the league.

Enter Nebraska. Steeped in tradition. Check. Multiple National
Championships? Check. Interesting and historic series between the two? Check.
The Huskers are PSU's protected cross-over game each year from the Legends
division, which will ensure a blockbuster matchup most years between the two.
Penn State leads the series 7-6, but that stat is a bit deceiving. PSU was 4-1
in the first 5 meetings, but those pre-date even Rip Engle! Since then, though,
NU is 5-3, with notable games in 1982 and 2002 for Penn State. Nebraska fans still
decry the call that PSU receiver Mike McCloskey was in bounds when he was not
in 1982, which propelled PSU to its first national championship.

1994 still goats PSU fans, since many in the fan base,
including me, think that team deserved a National Championship. NU won it,
though, since they were also undefeated and finished the season ranked #1. The
pre-BCS era makes you appreciate the current system. How scary is that? 2002
provided a 40-7 blowout at home with the largest crowd in Beaver Stadium history.
That was one of the lone bright spots in the "dark years" of the early 2000s.

Tom Osborne and Joe Paterno have such success and tradition
among them, that each matchup between the two will be a treat to behold, and
prove that PSU's conference rival has finally arrived. Not to mention the
potential rematch in a Big Ten Championship game.

Which Big Ten team will become PSU's primary in-conference rival? Tell us what you think below.

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